Pastor charged with rape

POLICE in East Sepik say a church pastor appeared in court charged with sexually penetrating a 17-year-old girl in the Ambunti-Dreikikier district.
The alleged offence took place earlier this year.
Police commander Supt Albert Beli said the victim was brought by her uncle and left with the accused, Charles Hamkrahamba, 42, from Tau village, and his wife to learn church work.
“That first time the victim was brought to Dreikikier, the pastor took the victim to the church to pray, then showed her the inside of the church,” Supt Beli said.
“It was alleged that the pastor told her that if he slept with her, she would be able to have anything she wished for.
“It was alleged the pastor began sexually penetrating the victim since February, he was telling the victim that if she became pregnant, she would give birth to a son like Christ.
“The victim was also warned that she if told anyone what was happening, she would not reap any benefit.
“The pastor and others at the church suppressed the victim from speaking up until she ran away from them after 12 days.
“From Feb 11-22, the victim was a prisoner.”
Supt Beli said the victim and her family reported the matter earlier this month and the accused was arrested. He appeared in court last Monday.
Supt Beli added that police would look into the establishment of the church and whether it was a genuine church.
“From what police gathered, the church has three rooms. One is for prayer and two others have different purposes. There is more to this case,” he said.
He noted that the church’s name was not popular and could be one of the new ones that popped up in the district.